Gymnastics can be a fun way for your child to take part in a physical sport, learn self-confidence, and stay physically fit.  It can have a positive effect on the life of your child.  You can support and encourage your child so they will have a healthy respect for the sport and receive positive benefits from participating in it.  There are some things a parent should never do, as they will interfere with all the good things a child can receive from participating in the sport.

Support your gymnast in a positive way, and never, ever compare their performance or progress to other gymnasts.  Don’t let your child’s performance get you too concerned about their success or lack of success.  Judge’s scores should never be taken too seriously, especially if your gymnast is in the lower levels of competition.  Encourage them to have fun and not be excessively sensitive about judge’s scores.

Never allow your gymnast to display unacceptable behavior either in practice or especially in competition.  Leave gossip about the gymnastic community out of your conversations.  This can create hard feelings and cause division in your child’s gymnastic community.  Do not criticize or undermine your coach’s authority or coaching duties during practice sessions or competitions. 

Don’t pressure your gymnast to constantly improve their routines or skills.  Setting unrealistic goals for your gymnast can be frustrating to them and could cause them to lose interest in the sport.  Your love should never be given or withheld based on how they do in practice or competition!  They need to know you love them unconditionally.  Your own ego or self-esteem should never interfere with the success of your gymnast.

Never undercut your coach’s authority to your child.  They should be listening to the sound of their coach’s voice and not yours from the sidelines.  This could easily distract them and cause them to have a flawed performance or a bad fall.  You should never care too much about the results of a competition. Remember there are many gymnasts trying to win one of three awards.  The odds are staggering and if there is too much emphasis on winning the enjoyment of the sport could be lost forever. 

Guard your facial expressions while your gymnast is practicing or performing.  Don’t display any negative emotions, smile and continue to be supportive and encouraging throughout the competition.  If the gymnast does not want to talk immediately after competition, do not force them, especially if they didn’t perform well.  Be sensitive to their feelings and do not make your child feel guilty because of their performance.  Reminding them of the time and money spent for them to participate in the sport will not help them improve or make them feel better.

Do not talk bad about their coach or undermine their authority, especially in front of the gymnast or others in the room.  Remember, you are not the coach and don’t try to coach them from the sidelines.  It is important not to alienate your child’s coaches.  Expect nothing from your gymnast except that they give practice and competition their best effort.  Using sarcasm, threats, or fear will not motivate your gymnast!  Do not try to live out your dreams or career ambitions through the life of your child.  Expect physical fitness, essential life skills, and fun for your gymnast.  Do not expect the gold medal!

Gymnastics can make a lifelong impression on the life of your child.  It can boost their self-confidence and help them enjoy staying physically fit.  Don’t let your attitude keep your gymnast from having an enjoyable time while they are participating in their chosen sport.

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